New York I Love You (But You're Bringing Me Down)

Before I found the energy to get up this morning I was doing the daily scroll through instagram. I came across Man Repeller's post of an article from the New York Times.

                   

I gave the article a google which led me to discover writer, Joan Didion's 1967 essay 'Goodbye to All That'. I mean god she's good. For a moment I felt like I escaped to New York for a bit. It was brilliant. As the reader you get an insight into her 8 year experience of living in New York City. Have a read for yourself here. Print it off. Read it, read it again. Keep it somewhere safe.*

*Well if you're a lover of the city

                   LCD Soundsystem – New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down

Lazy afternoon reading after a very early start/ long shift #VSCOcam pic.twitter.com/X5XGXJFNs7
— bronte whittle (@brontewhittle) September 30, 2013

Creative Covers in the Live Lounge

Two of my favourite bands, Bastille and Haim cover Miley Cyrus' current hits in the Live Lounge at BBC Radio 1. Of course they transform both songs into a magical creation. Completely unrecognisable for a Miley song. Just pieces of perfection.

Bastille - We Can't Stop

Haim - Wrecking Ball

IT

Yesterday I received my copy of 'It' by Alexa Chung in the mail. I finally managed to find some time to sit down, drink a hot chocolate (cross legged on my pillow covered bed) and begin to read the one of the most talked about books over the past couple of weeks. 

I read it in an hour and a half. Delicately turning each page over at a time, admiring every photograph and drawing. The structure of the book was a bit over the place but it didn't matter because it was organsied and neatly presented. But hey, that is what scrapbooks are like! The font was nice and simple with a great arrangement of photographs and her creative drawings.

I liked how it was a dose of little stories, make up/choosing an outfit tips or her personal style icons (etc) with minimal text. However I do understand where some critics and SOME poor reviews are coming from but she's obviously not going to be the next F. Scott Fitzgerald or queen of literature, just yet. She was clear in stating it was a journal type book. Nothing too formal. I do love it. I love her her sense of humour definitely comes through her writing. I am a huge fan of Alexa Chung and her as a style icon as many other girls in the world are too. So as soon as I heard she was writing a book I instantly fell in love with it. I love that it can sit on my book shelf and every now and then I can dip in and out of it.

(I wish I could have been able to go to Liberty's in London for the book signing and meet her. Ugh one day.)

Tavi day

Tavi day was a great day. Whilst waiting, clutching onto my newly purchased copy of Rookie Yearbook One as a very nicely dressed crowd started to gather (I had major shoe envy gahh!). Everyone was all excitedly waiting for door opening time. 

Tavi Gevinson, what a gal. She is so smart, creative and hilarious! Her speech was sooo good, so enjoyable to listen to. I didn't want it to finish :( I love that she is such a genuine down to earth teenager despite her chaotic lifestyle with events and being the founding editor-in-chief of Rookie. Rookie is an online magazine which is pretty much a bible containing everything you need or want to know for teenagers (or older). 

Ugh it was just so good 10/10. I had a massive fan girl moment when I met her after lining up for 10 minutes or so... I just froze. She said she loved my name.. thanks Tavi (CAN WE BE FRIENDS NOW?).  It was just a perfect event. love love love. Afterwards I saw Frances Ha which was absolutely amazing, best film. Pretty top day. ~ 18 aug 2013 ~

THE Diana Vreeland

Embarrassingly enough I only found out who Diana Vreeland was when her documentary 'Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel' aired on ABC a month or so ago. A week later I purchased her book 'Diana Vreeland'.

"I realised if I was going to make it, I was going to have to stand out." And so she did. Her original, extravagant, sense of madness made her career as editor at Harpers Bazaar and editor-in-chief at Vogue. She created a whole new outlook of fashion. It was transformed to fun, colourful and showing more personality which Twiggy showed in the magazines.

In the documentary Diana often said 'pizazz' which just shows how extreme and out there she was. She would also say great, great! GREAT, GREAT!! with sort of a crescendo to her voice this just emphasises her passion for fashion.

Diana Vreeland in her living room 'A Garden in Hell'

"A new dress doesn't get you anywhere, its the life that you have in the dress" - Diana Vreeland

The documentary is really fun and enjoyable. Diana's words are inspiring and her creative way of life. So go on watch the trailer below to to get a little feel for it. You will like it ;) ;) :) :) I even bought the dvd so I can have it forever!

Jeff Wall

Despite feeling rather sick this morning I made a trip to the MCA to catch the last day of Jeff Wall's photographic exhibition. It was fantastic. I can't believe how much thought and effort goes towards his photographs. For example it took him up to five years to produce an image based on a scene from a novel. Wall uses a 100 year old camera to shoot his photographs but however uses the process of photomontage to edit and bring the photograph together. Also the way he displays his photographs through a transparent light box gives it a contemporary edge. Such a creative character! more info

yesterdays little outing

Nu + Nan - 3rd June 2013

Last week I made a brief visit into the Galleries Nu + Nan store after seeing the Archibald Prize, I had my eyes set on two yummy tops. I didn't want any more sleepless nights thinking wether or not they would still be there. So on my day off from working I made a bus trip into the city (a one and a half hour bus trip trying to finish The Great Gatsby) to pop in to make some purchases at my favorite store. Sure enough to my delight both tops were still there and managed to find a couple more special 'last piece available' dresses. Tried them on and fell in love. Successful, except for one of the tops (sad face). So there is no other option than to buy them. It is the worst feeling once you're back at home going "now why the hell did I not buy that??!?". Better to reduce the amount of regrets going through your head. 

So thanks to my not so glamorous job at Kmart for allowing me to buy these special clothes that allows me to feel a bit 'glamorous'.

I am writing this on the ferry back to Manly, so a very quick outing to the city intended just for Nu + Nan shows a slight level of dedication and love to the store. Every time I walk into their store I am instantly awwwing ahhhhing over their unique and quirky designs. The staff are also super polite and friendly, always up for a nice chat. I'll be back soon! mwaha

00 GEORGE STREET                            
THE GALERIES VICTORIA
SYDNEY
NSW
AUSTRALIA
(02)92640599

225 KING STREET
NEWTOWN
SYDNEY
NSW
AUSTRALIA
(02) 95573788

treat yourself and make a visit!

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

gahhhh need to see this!

Possibly the most glamorous documentary ever? Watch the trailer for Scatter My Ashes At @bergdorfs! youtube.com/watch?v=m_tlLa…
— Rachel Zoe (@RachelZoe) April 5, 2013

lello

 ♥ yellow ♥ 

 

Yellow has become a favourite colour of mine! Without even realising I was buying all these yellow pieces of clothing + jewellery and I was given for a yellow wallet for my birthday. I know, everyone isn't a fan but I can't get enough of it. As shown in the pictures above it goes well with a nice and simple black combat boot and/or jacket.
 Even though I've read bad reviews regarding Lena Dunham's choice of attire for the Grammy's, I can"t help but love it - well I love everything she wears.

 I have to find myself a plain yellow blouse or dress. The good thing is that it can be dressed down with denim shorts or dressed up with black skirt or leather pants. Chuck on some silver jewellery and you're set.

Some of my yellowness; apologies for the poor quality picture, I did it two seconds and it's late at night.

• wallet from Deesse
• bracelets from markets plus a freebie 
• yellow stripy wood block from markets today
• book; 'My First New York' from Shakespeare and Co

The Rachel Zoe Project is back!!

I was so excited to hear that The Rachel Zoe Project was back for another season, airing last Thursday.. and finally made the time to write this post (whilst watching the Future Music Festival). All I can say is MAJ. Yes, I know Rachel is extremely over the top but I can't help but love the fashion filled 42 minutes... and Skyler was adorable.

As Rachel has only recently entered the world of being a designer and mother her life has become a whole new level of chaos, adding on to her already busy lifestyle of being a stylist.

The episode opened in New York City (which was a bonus) for NYFW. Across a short and stressful period of time Rachel and Rodger (husband) attended Marchesa, Prabul Gurung, Oscar De La Renta and Michael Kors.

I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the shows that Rachel got to witness. Mainly because, hearing her rave about them just made me wish I was there to see them for myself. So I went through each of the collections, each look, each backstage interview or video to feel the vibe of the show and the background. To make a list of my favourite look from each collection I jotted down my favourites from each collection but that ended up being at least half of them, so from that I narrowed it down to a top 6. Lets be honest, it was a challenge particularly because there was such a broad range within each collection.

So here are some of my favourites...

Marchesa

This collection was filled with elegant gowns, lots of black and gold (which I'm a huge fan of - as you can tell from my selection)! Rachel mentioned how amazing some of these gowns would be perfect red carpet moments, particularly for Anne Hathaway.

As a fan of a collared outfit I fell in love with the majority of this collection. Sorry for the lack of colour in my favourite six, however there were some amazing maroon and red gowns.

I also loved the fact that the runway show was located in Grand Central Station. I found it hilarious as they were frantically weaving in and out of people to try and find the area for the show, all dressed up. It was so exciting.

Prabal Gurung

This collection has a very comfortable approach including a loose fitted trouser and dress, chiffon tunic with a fitted jacket. As Gurung wanted to avoid a body con fit, moving away from the body. Described as a feeling of 'freedom and sensuality'.

From this collection Gurung was mainly influenced by artist, Anish Kapoor. Particularly his recent exhibition of installations (which I saw a few weeks ago at MCA) in regards to the colour palette and the use of line and structure which I can specifically see in Look 36 (middle on the right). This showed a fluent use of movement all throughout. Loving the unique use of shape all throughout the strong, feminine collection. The runway was crazy and extremely powerful as the models closed the show.

Oscar De La Renta 

Rachel went to view this collection the day before her own show, expressing her nerves to the man himself.  The collection was very glamorous showing a beautiful range of colours that were juxtaposed perfectly together. There were several creative and artistic pieces that were very sculptural showing elements of different textures.

Rachel described Oscar De La Renta saying 'he designs for the woman that dreams'.

Michael Kors

This collection was definitely my favourite. The jam packed show with 65 looks was filled with colour, line and numerous shapes. The six photos (that were so difficult to choose) are only a snippet of the full collection and I suggest if you have a spare 12 minutes that you watch the full show below. The styling was sooo good, was a huge fan of the yellow outfits including accessories - shoes, bags, glasses. And finally, I have to mention the back of the last couple of dresses - was emasculate, so precise. Forming a number of shapes and angles. 

As Michael Kors is a good friend of Rachel's it was essential for her to go even though it was the day of her own runway show. Arriving only 20 minutes (before it started) to the backstage of madness.

Was a busy show with lots of exciting things going on. Just shows how much Rachel does, I don't know how she manages it. It was nice to get a good dose of New York. I'm keen for the season ahead!

anish kapoor

Finally made it to see Anish Kapoor at the MCA! Loved it so much, was filled with families with young children but was really enjoyable. There were lots of trippy mirrors and amazing clay work. Just mind blowing, his work is incredible. I am now able to use my camera, seeings I can now actually get my photos onto my computer. So here are a few snaps!

LOVE THESE INSPIRING WORDS FROM KANYE

watch it ^^

✌

lena dunham 4 yen

Just as I posted the previous YEN post, I saw a recent tweet from the magazine about their new issue that comes out today. Of course another one of my favourites on the cover... Lena Dunham, I've been trying to watch the series Girls. I need to buy it, looks like a show I will love.

Here's a peek of the new issue, I'm going to buy it today!

YEN

I find it so relaxing being by myself with some music (Ben Howard), fresh air and a good magazine.

The article relating to Australians moving to New York for their jobs was so inspiring. I dream of living & working overseas. They said New York is the place to be and I believe them because I hear it constantly and I'm still yet to visit the beautiful place.

Reading about these creative people in their own industry motivated me to begin creating my jewellery. 

This issue marked Yens 10th birthday and they generously gave every buyer a 20 track cd with a choice of their favorite indie summer tracks. 

Such a good buy!

I AM FREE

Whilst in Paris I made a visit to the CENTQUATRE (104) which is a contemporary art gallery. As soon as you walk in to the doors you are introduced into a whole new world. The amazing industrial building is filled with dancers from toddlers to adults. All practicing their specific routines in groups or solo. The community was wonderful and so exciting, such a buzzing vibe!

I AM FREE - MOAHTAZ NAZR

"It is an experience of transcendence Moataz Nasr, Egyptian artist who claims his Africanness, invites us to I am Free. Desire for purity and elevation that the public will experience climbing the steps of the installation clearly alluding to its origins ... Enjoyment of freedom that we poor humans try to capture the chimeric fusion with the animal world." referenced from here.

 

As you opened the glass doors at the end of the room the first thing to catch your eyes was a huge wall with wings printed on it. This installation felt really symbolic. The climb up the stairs was if I was entering freedom. Just graduating from school, completing my exams. I felt on top of the world and of course free. However the height was pretty scary... looking down was pretty terrifying. 

Unfortunately we were arriving as it was getting dark so the 'I Am Free' glowing text isn't visible.

~the world is my oyster~

Few highlights from my trip

Let me take you back a couple of weeks:

From the 26th of November until the 2nd of January I was overseas with the family in England (Manchester and London) and Paris. I just wanted to spill some of my favourite parts.

MANCHESTER

First of all I'd like to say (because I can't keep it in any longer) the Northern Quarter in Manchester is my heaven. Filled with cute quirky cafes with the best food I've had (for a cafe) and best of all - so affordable. The Australian dollar is incredibly good right now!! The shops are mostly all vintage. There were many jaw dropping moments at the prices that I still can't get my head around. 

CAFE

It was 2 degrees outside and only just adjusting to the climate and decided to give this cafe a go. We made our way downstairs and entered into the Nexus Art Cafe on Dale Street. I loved the quirky, vintage furniture and art. The atmosphere was so relaxed with people catching up over coffee or keeping up to date on work (they have free wifi). And finally the food was amazing, to keep us nice and toasty to face the chilly weather. This place is definitely worth a visit for a sit down to unwind.

SHOPPING

Like vintage? quirky? or even gothic? or just for a different experience. Go to Afflecks Palace (of course it's in the Northern Quarter). I liked the way Nick Grimshaw described it as an 'indoor Camden' here.

I also visited Ryan Vintage on Oldham Street. I was attracted by the significantly large 'VINTAGE' sign for their store which I am like a magnet relating to anything with a similar title. They have a huge range from clothes to accessories to furniture or knick knacks. I personally get a thrill out of rummaging through racks and racks of clothing or even bins for the cheap stuff which are definitely worth the effort - which is rewarding and exciting!

 Being restricting with my money I only bought a cardigan.

If you prefer a slightly contemporary approach to the environment of the store I suggest you visit COW. The prices are a bit higher as everything is more organised and spaced out (and bright). There is a wide range of selection (lots of floral, summery prints - which was good for taking home for summer).

LONDON

I love London. I loved wearing coats and wondering the streets at night with all the Christmas lights and decorations. Particularly Carnaby Street and Oxford Street after a late dinner at around 11 o'clock at night. As I only had one and a half days I only had time to check out a smidge of London. Staying in Camden we took the bus into the city then walked HEAPS. The end of a tiring day (and after just finishing the book) we managed to find our way to the cinema in Leicester Square to see The Perks of Being a Wallflower which was amazing. Logan Lerman did an incredible job!

Carnaby Street - 'Carnaby Christmas it's only Rock 'n Roll'

The day of leaving we walked to the original Doc Marten store known as British Boot Company which is known for the place where bands such as The Sex Pistols, Morrisey, The Clash have shopped at. I of course had to buy some for the experience (plus to get the Docs I have wanted for a while and they are so much cheaper than at home). It felt so cool knowing that so many bands and famous stars have sat on the same seat that I was sitting on. The staff are also really nice and chatty!

PARIS

The main shop I visited was Free P Star (well there are 3 all 5 minutes walking distance apart). Vintage clothing and accessories scattered through the store on racks or in this bin section where it is filled with clothing all for 1 Euro! People bending over, bumping into others or squeezing through people holding your coat and all your special finds. You can't leave the store without buying something, it's impossible.. well I couldn't. 

 One of the three stores - 61 rue de la Verrerie 

 The fluorescent blue lighting area upstairs is bins filled with clothing all for 1 Euro. There is quite a step ladder/staircase that takes you up there. When there are lots of people there it is chaos and too hard especially when it feels like 40 degrees up there particularly because we all have coats and layers on. Definitely need to go back in the warmer months. However if you take the time to put your bag down and dig through the piles of clothing you will find some one off good quality pieces. Overall just from the 1 Euro bin I  bought roughly 12 garments all for 12 Euros, it's crazy. 

 It is best to go when it is quiet otherwise you become a bit flustered and people getting in the way can be time consuming. All in all despite the mayhem it was the best! All my clothing bought in Paris was from Free P Star (except 2 tops from a little vintage store which had Chanel that was cheap!!). Oh and they close at 9pm which is fun - so you could spend all day going around the three stores. I wouldn't say no to that offer...

Just a quick little ish post of my trip and some of the highlights. I am sure I will be revisiting the trip in later posts to come.

I will put some photographs up of some of my purchases from Free P Star in another post!